A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Kennebunkport vs. Fairbanks for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Kennebunkport or Fairbanks?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Fairbanks? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a character-filled, charming, and quaint town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a unique, outdoorsy, and remote city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Kennebunkport and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kennebunkport or Fairbanks?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kennebunkport than Fairbanks, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kennebunkport is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, shopping, and small town charm, while Fairbanks is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Kennebunkport is more touristy than Fairbanks and is known for its historic and charming atmosphere, its wonderful local seafood, and its stunning coastline. Also, Kennebunkport is famous for Dock Square. Fairbanks is well known for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights.

How is Kennebunkport different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fairbanks and Kennebunkport. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Kennebunkport or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is adequate for skiing. However, Kennebunkport is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Fairbanks to take advantage of their winter sports. The closest ski areas are the ski resorts of Fort Wainwright/Birch Hill, Moose Mountain and Skiland. The area also has dog mushing, snowshoeing, sledding, tubing and sleigh riding.

Kennebunkport is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kennebunkport or Fairbanks?

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Kennebunkport or Fairbanks.

Kennebunkport is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a handful of local museums around town like the Brick Store Museum, the First Families Kennebunkport Museum, and the Seashore Trolley Museum.

Fairbanks offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The city is mostly known for its outdoor activities, but you can also visit the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, the Aurora Ice Museum, Fountainhead Auto Museum, the Museum of the North, and Pioneer Park.

Is the Food Better in Kennebunkport or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kennebunkport is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Kennebunkport has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Fine dining, seafood restaurants, and local cafes all make this a wonderful town for foodies. The town's famous for its lobster, but you can also try the scallops, crab, or oysters.

Fairbanks offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Food can be expensive and of varying quality, but many restaurants use local meats and seafood. There's a surprising number of international restaurants in town as well. Also make sure you try the local specialties like reindeer sausage, Yukon gold potatoes, and Alaskan salmon.

Is Kennebunkport or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Kennebunkport is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kennebunkport. You can check out the happy hours that many of the bars in the waterfront area host regularly.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Fairbanks. You will find some bars around town, but for the most part, the city stays quiet at night.

Is Kennebunkport or Fairbanks Better for Resorts?

Kennebunkport is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Fairbanks is not a resort destination.

Kennebunkport is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Luxury resorts and classic inns provide traditional and local accommodation options for visitors.

Fairbanks is not a resort destination.

Is Kennebunkport or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is great for hiking. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Fairbanks for the hiking trails. While the town serves as a gateway to the Arctic and all that it has to offer, there are also hiking trails both in town and nearby. There are trails that connect the city's historic sites as well as day hikes that start at the edge of town.

Many people include a hike when visiting Kennebunkport. There are waterfront walks and coastal trails. There are also trails that wander through forests or past marshland.

Is the Shopping Better in Kennebunkport or Fairbanks?

Kennebunkport is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Kennebunkport. Head to Dock's Square for the best local shops with a charming atmosphere.

Fairbanks is a great destination for shopping. There are interesting local shops and boutiques that sell native Alaskan handmade items. You'll find "Made in Alaska" merchandise at many boutiques and souvenir shops. There are also larger retailers available in case you forgot clothing or other items at home.

Is Kennebunkport or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Kennebunkport is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Kennebunkport. You can explore the rocks around Mother's Beach or take the kids out on a lobster boat. There's also a lot of history around Dock's Square and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants in town.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Fairbanks. Kids who enjoy searching for wildlife, playing in the snow, and exploring nature will love a visit to Fairbanks. Make sure you visit the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as well as Pioneer Park.

Is Kennebunkport or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Kennebunkport is a very popular place for couples. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Kennebunkport makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Beaches, romantic hotels, and charming local restaurants make this a perfect couple's destination.

Fairbanks is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy hiking and nature will love a visit here. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, Fairbanks is your best destination in Alaska. Try to visit sometime between August to April for the best chance of enjoying the lights.

Is Kennebunkport or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kennebunkport is not a good destination for backpackers.

Fairbanks is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are many outdoor recreation areas where backpackers can explore. Alaska, and Fairbanks in particular, can have very harsh conditions, so unless you know what you're doing, it's best to take a guide.

Kennebunkport is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find cabins and motels in the area, but no real hostels.

Is Kennebunkport or Fairbanks Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kennebunkport is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kennebunkport. During the summer months there's a Shoreline Trolley that connects towns.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Fairbanks. There is a public bus system that connects the downtown area with the shopping areas and the university. However, you really can't rely on it to explore the region and you should have your own vehicle.

Is Kennebunkport or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

Kennebunkport is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Kennebunkport is a somewhat walkable town. It's downtown is compact and particularly walkable.

Fairbanks is not a walkable town. The city was built for cars and there are very few walkable areas around town.

For even more information, also check out Is Kennebunkport Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Kennebunkport?

How long in Kennebunkport or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either Kennebunkport or Fairbanks. In our opinion, Kennebunkport has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Kennebunkport than Fairbanks. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Kennebunkport than Fairbanks. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Kennebunkport, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Kennebunkport than Fairbanks. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Kennebunkport that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fairbanks than Kennebunkport if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Fairbanks.

One day in Kennebunkport or Fairbanks?

Even though Kennebunkport is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the remote destination of Fairbanks. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Kennebunkport or Fairbanks?

Kennebunkport is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fairbanks. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Kennebunkport or Fairbanks?

Kennebunkport is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the remote destination of Fairbanks. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Kennebunkport or Fairbanks?

Kennebunkport is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find museums and shopping around the beautiful city of Fairbanks. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kennebunkport and Fairbanks, we can see that Fairbanks is more expensive. And not only is Kennebunkport much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kennebunkport would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kennebunkport and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Fairbanks would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fairbanks than you might in Kennebunkport.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kennebunkport Expensive? and Is Fairbanks Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kennebunkport or Fairbanks?

Fairbanks has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kennebunkport. When comparing the sizes of Kennebunkport and Fairbanks, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Kennebunkport or Fairbanks?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Fairbanks in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kennebunkport and Fairbanks. The summer months attract visitors to Kennebunkport because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.

In July, Kennebunkport is generally a little warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Kennebunkport average around 69°F (20°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In July, Kennebunkport usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Kennebunkport gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kennebunkport as well as Fairbanks. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kennebunkport this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Fairbanks for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Fairbanks. Kennebunkport is much warmer than Fairbanks in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kennebunkport averages around 49°F (9°C) in October, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

Kennebunkport usually gets more rain in October than Fairbanks. Kennebunkport gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Fairbanks in the Winter?

Both Fairbanks and Kennebunkport are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Kennebunkport for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Fairbanks in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Fairbanks can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Kennebunkport. In the winter, Kennebunkport is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kennebunkport in January average around 21°F (-6°C), and Fairbanks averages at about -9°F (-23°C).

In January, Kennebunkport usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Kennebunkport gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Fairbanks in the Spring?

Both Fairbanks and Kennebunkport during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Kennebunkport in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the natural beauty during these months.

Fairbanks can be very cold during spring. In April, Kennebunkport is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Kennebunkport average around 43°F (6°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

Kennebunkport usually gets more rain in April than Fairbanks. Kennebunkport gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Kennebunkport